Sex during pregnancy 'largely safe'

Published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, the study showed that there are few complications involved in the practice.

Using current evidence, the team from Mount Sinai Hospital and the University of Toronto explained that the uncommon, but potential, risks involved in sex in pregnancy include premature labour, pelvic inflammatory disease, haemorrhage in placenta previa and blood clots.

Dr Clare Jones and her co-authors wrote: "Sex in pregnancy is normal.

"There are very few proven contraindications and risks to intercourse in low-risk pregnancies, and therefore these patients should be reassured.

"In pregnancies complicated by placenta previa or an increased risk of preterm labour, the evidence to support abstinence is lacking, but it is a reasonable benign recommendation given the theoretical catastrophic consequences."

They concluded that comfort level and readiness to engage in sexual activity should be used as guides by the couple involved.